Backlight system architecture for mobile display system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a mobile display system with an improved backlight system. In one embodiment of the invention, the mobile display system comprises a mobile unit including a flat panel display, and a first backlight circuit for providing light to the display. The first backlight circuit includes a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a single power supply for powering a pre-selected one of the light sources. The system also comprises a base station capable of being powered by an external power source. The base station includes a second backlight circuit that comprises at least one power supply for powering the plurality of light sources in the mobile unit when the mobile unit is attached to the base station. This invention keeps the weight and power consumption of the mobile unit low, but allows long battery life at the compromise of display surface light intensity while mobile and provides high brightness characteristics when docked.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This invention is a continuation of and claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/992,601 entitled BACKLIGHT SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MOBILE DISPLAY SYSTEM filed on Nov. 13, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to backlight systems, and more particularly to backlight systems for mobile display systems.

[0003] Mobile devices, such as mobile and handheld PCs, portable TVs and other mobile Internet appliances, have been widely used in our daily lives. Due to their size and mobility, these devices are particularly convenient to people who travel frequently or need to have access to information at any time or in any location, from the Internet or in a stored database for example. When the AC power is available, mobile devices are typically used in conjunction with a docking station on a desktop or elsewhere in an attached or docked mode. The docking station provides network connections as well as connections to peripheral devices, such as a printer. Because their flexibility of being able to be used in either docked mode or mobile (or undocked) mode, there are requirements for high brightness (with similar luminance as stationary monitors) when the mobile devices are docked and powered by mains power, and for optimization of battery life when they are operated in the mobile mode.

[0004] A conventional solution for notebook PCs for example, is to use a dimmable power supply. In this case, the backlight power is regulated based on the condition of the re-charger being attached to the notebook PC. When the notebook PC is used in the mobile mode, the optimization of battery life can be achieved by reduction of power in the backlight. This consequently results in reduction of luminance to 60-80 candela/m². If the notebook PC is plugged into an AC power outlet on the wall, the maximum power of the backlight is increased by increasing the current of the internal lamp or the current duty cycle, relative to its maximum value in the battery operated mode. However, even with the increase of the current the brightness achieved is only in the range of 80-100 candela/m², which is far less bright as compared to that of flat panel monitors powered mains power, which has the luminous intensity of 250 plus candela/m².

[0005] Thus, most mobile electronic products today are not able to achieve high brightness, unless both weight and thickness are sacrificed.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a mobile device that maintains mobile characteristics of low weight, thinness and long battery life, while providing functionality, e.g., high brightness, of a mains powered desktop product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a mobile display system with an improved backlight system. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the mobile display system comprises a mobile unit including a flat panel display, and a first backlight circuit for providing light to the display. The first backlight circuit includes a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a single power supply for powering a pre-selected one of the light sources. The system also comprises a base station capable of being powered by an external power source. The base station includes a second backlight circuit that comprises at least one power supply for powering the plurality of light sources in the mobile unit when the mobile unit is attached to the base station. This embodiment allows the use of a single power supply in the mobile unit, keeping weight and power consumption low, but allowing long battery life at the compromise of display surface light intensity.

[0008] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the mobile display system comprises a mobile unit including a flat panel display, and a first backlight circuit for providing light to the display. The flat panel display has selected surfaces made in materials capable of coupling external light. The first backlight circuit includes a single light source disposed near a pre-selected edge of the mobile unit and a single power supply for powering the light source. The system also comprises a base station capable of being powered by an external power source. The base station includes a second backlight circuit that comprises a plurality of light sources disposed near edges of the base station and at least one power supply for powering the plurality of light sources. The base station has selected surfaces made of materials capable of coupling light out of the plurality of light sources and into the display when the mobile unit is attached to the base station. This embodiment allows the use of a single power supply and a single light source in the mobile unit, keeping weight and power consumption low, but allowing long battery life at the compromise of display surface light intensity.

[0009] Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention is explained in further detail, and by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a mobile display system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0012]FIG. 2A shows a mobile display system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 2B shows a backlight system for the first embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 3A shows a mobile display system according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0015]FIG. 3B shows a backlight system for the second embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding features or functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017]FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a mobile display system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. Display system 10 comprises a battery powered mobile unit 12 and a mains powered base station 16, which includes an electrical cord 17 for plugging into an AC power outlet or other external power source. Mobile unit 12 has four edges 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d and includes a flat panel display 14. Mobile unit 12 may be either a stand-alone mobile device, e.g., a mobile PC, or a flat panel monitor, e.g., a LCD display, for use with a mobile device. Base station 16 is configured to have a surface 15, a slanted surface 18 and two guiding rails 19 a and 19 b. Guiding rails 19 a and 19 b have inner surfaces 29 a and 29 b, respectively, facing to each other. Mobile unit 12 can be attached to base station 16 along slanted surface 18 and guiding rails 19 a and 19 b onto surface 15.

[0018]FIG. 2A shows a mobile display system 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Display system 20 has the same basic configuration as that of system 10 in FIG. 1 and includes a mobile unit 22 and a base station 26. As shown in FIG. 2A, mobile unit 22 also includes electrical connectors 32 a, 32 b and 32 c. Base station 26 also includes electrical connectors 34 a, 34 b and 34 c and a detection mechanism, e.g., switch 36.

[0019]FIG. 2B shows a backlight system 40 for the first embodiment of the invention. Backlight system 40 comprises a backlight circuit 41 a in mobile unit 22 and a backlight circuit 41 b in base station 26. As shown in FIG. 2B, backlight circuit 41 a comprises a plurality of light sources, e.g., lamps 42 a, 42 b, 42 c and 42 d respectively located near edges of 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d of mobile unit 22. Although there are only four lamps illustrated, additional lamps may be used and placed along any of edges 28 a, 28 b and 28 d. These lamps may be fluorescent lamps, LEDs or other types of light sources. Backlight circuit 41 a also includes a built-in power supply 48 c powered by a battery (not shown). Backlight circuit 41 b includes a plurality of power supplies 48 a, 48 b, and 48 d. In mobile mode, lamp 42 c is used and powered by built-in power supply 48 c. In docked mode, in addition to lamp 42 c, lamps 42 a, 42 b and 42 d are also used and powered by power supplies 48 a, 48 b and 48 d, respectively, which are connected to an AC power outlet.

[0020] In backlight circuit 41 b in base station 26, a plurality of backlight power supplies 48 a, 48 b and 48 d are placed close to surface 15 (shown in FIG. 2A) for electrically connecting to connectors 32 a, 32 b and 32 c on mobile unit 22, via connectors 34 a, 34 b and 34 c respectively.

[0021] Once mobile unit 22 is attached to base station 26 in docked mode, connectors 32 a and 32 b are in contact with and connected to connectors 34 a and 34 b, respectively. In this mode, switch 36 is engaged, signaling base station 26 to power its internal power supplies 48 a, 48 b and 48 d so as to power the lamps inside mobile unit 22, thereby increasing the light output at the viewable surface of display 14. In this embodiment, switch 36 is designed so that no high voltage from the internal power supplies of base station 26 is generated unless mobile unit 22 is fully attached to base station 26. This embodiment allows the use of a single power supply in the mobile unit, keeping weight and power consumption low, but allowing long battery life at the compromise of display surface light intensity.

[0022]FIG. 3A shows a mobile display system 50 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment again has the same basic configuration as that of system 10 in FIG. 1 and includes a mobile unit 52 and a base station 56. Base station 56 also includes a detection mechanism, e.g., switch 57.

[0023]FIG. 3B shows a backlight system 60 for the second embodiment of the invention. Backlight system 60 comprises a first backlight circuit 61 a in mobile unit 52 and a second backlight circuit 61 b in base station 56. Circuit 61 a includes a single light source, e.g., lamp 64 c, located near edge 28 c of mobile unit 52, and a single built-in power supply 68 c powered by a battery (not shown). Circuit 61 b includes a plurality of additional light sources, e.g., lamps 64 a, 64 b, and 64 d, located close to surfaces 15, 29 a and 29 b, respectively and a plurality of additional power supplies 68 a, 68 b and 68 d. In mobile mode, lamp 28 c is used and powered by built-in power supply 68 c. In docked mode, in addition to lamp 64 c, lamps 64 a, 64 b and 64 d are used and powered by power supplies 68 a, 68 b and 68 d, respectively, which are connected to an AC power outlet. All of these lamps may be fluorescent lamps, LEDs or other types of light sources.

[0024] In this second embodiment, surfaces 28 a, 28 b and 28 d of mobile unit 52 may be constructed of, for instance, transparent or translucent material, capable of coupling light from outside of mobile unit 52 into the backlight structure of the unit. Alternatively, the complete encasing plastics of mobile unit 52 may be made of such transparent or translucent material. Surfaces 15, 29 a and 29 b of base station 56 may also be constructed of materials capable of coupling light from the lamps 64 a, 64 b, and 64 d, out of base station 56, into mobile unit 52. When mobile unit 52 is attached to base station 56 in docked mode, switch 57 is activated and lamps in base station 56 are powered. This causes light to be optically coupled into mobile unit 52 through surface pairs 28 a/15, 28 b/29 b, and 28 d/29 a, thereby increasing light output at the viewable surface of display 14.

[0025] This embodiment allows the use of a single power supply and a single light source in the mobile unit, keeping weight and power consumption low, but allowing long battery life at the compromise of display surface light intensity.

[0026] While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A backlight system for use with a mobile display system that includes a mobile unit capable of being powered by a battery and a base station capable of being powered by an external power source, the backlight system comprising: a first circuit in the mobile unit, the first circuit including a plurality of light sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a first power supply for powering a pre-selected one of the light sources when operating in a mobile mode of operation; and a second circuit in the base station, the second circuit including at least a second power supply separate from the mobile unit for powering a plurality of the light sources in the mobile unit when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second circuit further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 3. A mobile display system comprising a mobile unit, the mobile unit including: a flat panel display; and a first backlight circuit for providing light to the display, the first backlight circuit including a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit, and a single power supply connected to a pre-selected one of the light sources for powering only the pre-selected light source, the mobile unit being dockable in a base station having a second power supply associated therewith, the docking of the mobile unit in the base station connecting the second power supply to a plurality of the light sources for powering a plurality of the light sources.
 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a base station capable of being powered by an external power source, the base station including a second backlight circuit that comprises at least a second power supply for powering the plurality of light sources in the mobile unit when the unit is attached to the base station.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the base station further includes a detection mechanism for detecting whether the mobile unit is attached to the base station so as to allow the external power source to power the light sources within the mobile unit.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second backlight circuit further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the mobile unit and the base station includes at least one electrical connector; wherein the electrical connectors of the mobile unit and the base station are connected to each other when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 8. A backlight system for use with a mobile display system that includes a mobile unit capable of being powered by a battery and a base station capable of being powered by an external power source, the backlight system comprising: a first circuit in the mobile unit, the first circuit including a plurality of light sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a single power supply for powering a pre-selected one of the light sources; and a second circuit in the base station, the second circuit including at least one power supply for powering the plurality of the light sources in the mobile unit when the mobile unit is attached to the base station; and wherein the second circuit further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 9. A mobile display system comprising a mobile unit, the mobile unit including: a flat panel display; and a first backlight circuit for providing light to the display, the first backlight circuit including a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit, and a single power supply connected to a pre-selected one of the light sources for powering only the pre-selected light source; and further comprising a base station capable of being powered by an external power source, the base station including a second backlight circuit that comprises at least one power supply for powering the plurality of light sources in the mobile unit when the unit is attached to the base station; and wherein the base station further includes a detection mechanism for detecting whether the mobile unit is attached to the base station so as to allow the external power source to power the light sources within the mobile unit.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second backlight circuit further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the mobile unit and the base station includes at least one electrical connector; wherein the electrical connectors of the mobile unit and the base station are connected to each other when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 12. An AC powered base station configured to removably attach to a battery powered mobile, the base station combining with a mobile unit to form an illumination system, the illumination system comprising: a first circuit in the mobile unit, the first circuit including one or more light sources for illuminating a display of the mobile unit, the first circuit being battery powered when unattached to the base station; and a second AC powered circuit in the base station, including at least one means for illuminating the mobile unit's display when the mobile unit is attached to the base unit.
 13. The base station of claim 12 wherein the means for illuminating the mobile unit's display is configured to increase the illumination of the display relative to a battery-powered illumination mode for the mobile unit when it is not attached to the base unit.
 14. The base station of claim 13 wherein the means for increasing the illumination of the mobile unit's display comprises at least one power supply for connecting to the first circuit and powering the one or more light sources in the mobile unit.
 15. The base station of claim 14, wherein the second circuit further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering a plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
 16. The base station of claim 14 further comprising a detection mechanism for detecting whether the mobile unit is attached to the base station so as to allow the external power source to power the light sources within the mobile unit.
 17. The base station of claim 16 wherein the display is a flat panel display and the plurality of lights sources are disposed near edges of the mobile unit.
 18. The base station of claim 12 wherein the base unit includes at least one light source, the light source being coupleable to the mobile unit to transmit light to the display when the mobile unit is attached to the base station through a selected surface on the base station, the surface comprising a light transmissive material.
 19. The base station of claim 18 wherein the light is transmitted into a backlight structure of the mobile unit.
 20. The base station of claim 18 wherein the base unit is configured so that attaching the mobile unit to the base station switches on power to at least one light source in the base station that transmits light to the mobile unit's display. 